Monthly School Newsletter

• Happy Arab American Heritage Month!
• Student Leadership Updates
• NEW Cell Phone Policy - URGENT! Please watch the video!
• CAASPP and CAST Testing
• DOL Week
• Parent Power Hour - Topic: Dual Enrollment for Fall
• Spring Showcase - Save the Date
• Graduation Information

Arab American Heritage Month offers a crucial opportunity to celebrate the rich cultural tapestry and invaluable contributions of Arab Americans to the fabric of American society. Recognizing this month not only honors the heritage, history, and achievements of Arab Americans but also promotes understanding, unity, and inclusion within our diverse nation. From pioneering advancements in science, literature, and the arts to significant contributions in business, politics, and social activism, Arab Americans have played a vital role in shaping the American story. By celebrating Arab American Heritage Month, we embrace the diversity that strengthens our nation and reaffirm our commitment to fostering a society where all cultures are respected and celebrated.

Please be aware that starting April 1 we will have a NEW School-wide Cell Phone Policy!

Our student body recognizes that cell phones are a huge distraction for many of our students. So much so, that they shared their concern with WASC when they visited in 2022. As part of our Accreditation, WASC directed us to develop a cell phone policy that included student voice. This year, the Principal's Advisory took on the task. They researched other school cell phone policies, they surveyed all of our students and teachers, and then they interviewed our teachers for deeper information. After all of the data was collected, they analyzed the results and developed a policy. Next, they took their ideas to the teachers for feedback. With that feedback, the following Cell Phone Policy was created.

Please take the time to watch this 4 minute video so you can partner with us to make sure your student is practicing responsible cell phone usage at school. PLEASE NOTE: Students who violate this policy may LOSE the privileged of being able to bring their cell phones to school. Your partnership is very important to the success of this policy.

On Monday, April 1, the following video will be playing in every class, every period. We want to make sure ALL of our students see it and understand it. This video was created entirely by the students on the Principal's Advisory Cabinet - they should be commended for the work and energy they put into this project.

• Miranda Navarro-Miranda
• Mekhi Durr
• Dylan Gilbert
• Issak Downey
• Hunter Nousain
• Adam Valadez
• Fernando Rodriguez Hernandez
• Vicente Rojo-Cudabac

Thank you for your dedication to the culture and climate of our school and for advising Principal Martin on this important matter! We are proud of you!

On April 2nd and 3rd ALL of our 11th graders will be taking the English Language Arts (ELA) and Math Smarter Balanced Assessments.

You can help them out by making sure they do the following:

1. Ensure they get a good night sleep the night before the test
2. Make sure they eat a healthy breakfast the morning of the test
3. Make sure they arrive to school on time so they have plenty of time to take the test

On test days, ALL 11th graders should report directly to Room 7 at 8:30am. If they start on time, they should be finished with testing before lunch.

For Resources and Practice Tests please visit: https://www.caaspp.org/practice-and-training/

After DOL Week, on April 23rd, all of our 12th Graders will be taking the California Science Test.

More information about testing time and location will be released closer to the date with reminders being sent out in the Sunday Night Howl

For more information, resources, and practice tests for the CAST, please visit: https://www.caaspp.org/ta-resources/available-resources-cast.html

A defense of learning presentation is an opportunity for students to showcase and defend their academic work, typically at the culmination of a project, research paper, or thesis. During this presentation, students present their findings, methodologies, and conclusions to a panel of educators, peers, parents, and external experts/community partners. The purpose is to demonstrate the depth of understanding, critical thinking skills, and mastery of the subject matter acquired through their Project-Based Learning journey. Through verbal explanation, visual aids, and sometimes interactive elements, students articulate their arguments, respond to questions, and defend their positions. This process not only assesses students' knowledge and comprehension but also fosters communication skills, confidence, and the ability to engage in intellectual discourse, preparing them for future academic and professional endeavors.

At Sac New Tech, students are required to successfully pass both their 10th and 12th grade DOL in order to meet graduation requirements. All student presenters are required to dress professionally for their presentations.

During DOL Week, school will start at 8:30am and end at 12:42pm. DOL Presentations will start at 1:00pm. If you have a 10th of 12th grade student, please be sure to check in with them about their scheduled presentation date and time.

If you are interested in participating as a Panel Member, please contact Principal Martin.

PARENTS!

As we transition to a FULL Early College High School program, it is important that you understand what that means for your student. EVERY Sac New Tech student will be enrolled in several college courses during the course of their four years at our school.

During this Parent Power Hour, we are inviting our partners at Sacramento City College to talk to you about dual enrollment and the resources that are now available to your students.

What you can expect:

• Deeper understanding of how dual enrollment works
• Our specific college pathways
• Supports for students with IEP's and 504's
• Courses that are available to students at each grade level

Be sure to join us for our annual Spring Showcase and Community Fair. This year, we have a THEME!

During this 4th quarter, our entire school will be engaged in projects that incorporate Climate Change and Environmental Awareness. We are excited to show YOU, our parents, all the wonderful things our students are doing. As always, attendance = parent participation. We really hope you can join us.

What you can expect:

• Visit Classrooms and See Student Projects!
• Student Performances and Presentations!
• Talk to Teachers!
• Access to valuable community resource vendors - FREE STUFF
• Food Trucks - come eat dinner!

Here is your important Graduation Information:

• Graduation is at the Burbank High School Auditorium
• Graduates are expected to arrive by 3:30pm
• Doors open at 3:30pm
• Ceremony starts PROMPTLY at 4:30pm
• The ceremony is about 1 hour
• Tickets not required

If you have not purchased your cap and gown - DO THAT NOW!! Caps and gowns are REQUIRED in order to participate in the ceremony.

• Tops of caps can be decorated
• Multicultural regalia is permitted and encouraged - we love to celebrate culture and diversity!
• ALL Graduates are REQUIRED to participate in graduation practice in order to be in the ceremony (NO EXCEPTIONS).
• Rehearsal is 10am-12pm the morning of Graduation